Western Health has a duty to assist applicants to make a compliant request and will consult with an Applicant before refusing a non-compliant request.

The application fee may be waived or reduced on request by an Applicant, for example, on the basis of financial hardship. The FOI Team may request evidence of hardship to be provided, such as a health care card.

Additional charges apply which relate to search and copy fees, which can also be waived or reduced in relevant circumstances.

A decision regarding access to documents held by Western Health under the FOI Act (Decision) should be made no later than 30 days following receipt of a valid request.

Your review rights

Applicants have a right to challenge a Decision of an FOI Officer and a right of complaint to the FOI Commissioner within 28 days of the day an Applicant receives the Decision.

Applicants also have a right to apply to the Health Services Commissioner for conciliation where the documents requested contains information relating to the Applicant.